MLB: Washington 7, N.Y. Mets 2

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- Elijah Dukes hit a three-run homer Monday to lead the Washington Nationals to a 7-2 victory over the New York Mets.

Winning pitcher John Lannan (9-13) gave up one run on one hit and three walks in seven innings while striking out seven.

Lastings Milledge was 3-for-4 with two runs scored and Ryan Zimmerman also scored twice for the Nationals, who snapped a five-game losing streak.

Pedro Martinez (5-5) allowed four runs on eight hits and four walks in six innings to take the loss. Jose Reyes drove in two runs and Brian Schneider and Luis Castillo scored runs for New York.

With the loss, the Mets are now only a half-game ahead of Philadelphia for the lead in the NL East.